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Colonies for the differently-abled?
These are days of inclusive planning and growth. Such being the case, the report that there is a proposal to form separate housing layouts for the differently-abled is something which is against the tide and may prove a negative step.
Some of the important principles covering the housing policy of the government are as follows. All citizens must be provided with affordable houses. The government agencies, such as housing Boards, should reserve a percentage of sites or plots in layouts developed for allotment to those who do not own houses. Rural housing schemes are primarily aimed at the poor and marginalised who need a special approach.
Subsidise the cost of construction.
Housing loans to those below the poverty line to be considered at differential rates of interest. A fixed percentage of houses/flats is to be earmarked for minorities and women.
Most of the above policies are under implementation in various States. The percentage of reserved houses or plots varies from State to State based on the number of reserved categories and growing demand. In allotting sites, plots or houses, it has been the practice to ensure justice to the disabled applicants.
If a housing colony is developed, say for the visually challenged only, they will lose the help and assistance of normal people for their activities. Further, they will feel isolated from the social mainstream. If only small sites of the dimension of 20’x 30’ are made available, as reported, it is not going to be in line with the aspirations of the allottees. A classic example is the story of Alexis Leon of Kochi, who became physically challenged from an accident, but fought his disability with grit and will power and became an author, writing books with the help of his computer, encouraged by his friends and well wishers. Just imagine confining a brilliant author or mathematician in a layout for the disabled simply because he has become disabled for one reason or the other.
Can sell or lease
Again, there may be a tendency to sell or lease out the sites/houses received free or at concessional rates, for moving to better environs, defeating the very purpose of providing houses to the weak and disabled. Restrictions on sale may not really work. Though the development of housing facilities to the less fortunate will lead one to believe that it is a novel scheme, integration of various categories of our people into the mainstream may be a better thing to do rather than isolate them.
K. SUKUMARAN
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